Apparatus and method for controlling loading of weights

ABSTRACT

A control system and a method for controlling activation of at least one exercise weight. According to an embodiment of the invention the system may includine at least one linking terminal associated with the at least one exercise weight, respectively, and at least one linking channel to associate between a control device and the at least one linking terminal.

CROSS REFERENCES TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/313,666 filed on Aug. 20, 2001 and is a Continuation In Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/223, 217, filed Aug. 20, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to exercise machines and, more particularly, to controlling variable load selection on exercise machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are numerous types of exercising machines to provide a user with the opportunity to keep fit by exercising various muscles of the body in opposition to a load. These machines are implemented in various forms, and different types of machines may be configured to exercise different muscles and/or different parts of the body. A common feature of such machines is a variable load consisting of individual weights, wherein a desired load may be produced by the aggregation of a certain number of weights.

[0004] An example of a conventional multiple-exercise machine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,538 to Ish, which includes a press station at which exercises are performed in opposition to a selected amount of weights. A user may select a stack of exercise weights to form a desired load by manually positioning a pin at the bottommost weight of the desired stack of weights.

[0005] In other conventional types of multiple-exercise machines, the weights may be associated with various mechanical selection-assistance means to allow the user to more conveniently perform mechanical selection of the desired load.

[0006] There is a need to improve the methods and devices used for selecting loads in variable-weight exercise machines. For example, it would be desirable to minimize or obviate the need to stop training and/or leave a training position in order to change the load of an exercise machine.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus to allow a user of an exercise machine to control activation of desired weights, e.g., to remotely select a load to exercise against. Further, some embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus to secure a load, e.g., in order to prevent accidental action when the exercise machine is either in or out of use.

[0008] There is thus provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a control system and method for controlling activation of one or more desired weights on an exercise machine, by activating or deactivating a weight selection device housed in the exercise machine.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the invention, the control system may include at least one linking channel associable, via at least one linking terminal, with a corresponding weight in the exercise machine. The at least one linking terminal may be associated with a control device, such that the user may control activation of one or more of the weights separately and/or jointly.

[0010] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the control system may include a plurality of conducting elements built into the weights to enable electrical connection between adjacent weights, if desired. The control system may be designed such that the electrical connection between adjacent weights may be disconnected when the weights are separated.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one linking channel may include at least one linking conductor, and the at least one linking terminal may include at least one conducting component. According to another embodiments of the invention, the linking terminal may include at least one proximity transmitter adapted to communicate with at least one proximity receiver located in the at least one exercise weight. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the control device may include a wireless remote control, and the at least one linking terminal may include at least one remote control receiver located in the at least one exercise weight, respectively.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the invention, the control system may include at least one power source, for example, a power storage device, e.g., a battery, to supply electric power to the at least one weight selection device. According to some of these embodiments, the control system may further include a wireless charging arrangement for charging the at least one power storage device.

[0013] Additionally, there is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling activation of weights on an exercise machine, the exercise machine having a plurality of weights in slidable communication with at least one load-bearing bar. The method may include transmitting at least one control signal via at least one linking channel, respectively. The method may also include receiving the at least one control signal by at least one control terminal, respectively, and activating at least one selection device to lock a respective weight according to the control signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a control system for controlling activation of a desired weight on an exercise machine, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of an isometric view of a multi-contact rod assembly in accordance an embodiment of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of an exploded isometric view of the multi-contact rod assembly of FIG. 2A;

[0018]FIG. 3A is an isometric illustration of the contact rod of FIG. 2A associated with a weight stack in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention;

[0019]FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of a partial cross-section of the weight stack of FIG. 3A;

[0020]FIG. 4A is an isometric illustration of a dual contact sub-assembly installed in a weight, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 4B is an isometric illustration of two dual contact sub-assemblies of FIG. 4A installed in two adjacent weights;

[0022]FIG. 5 is an isometric illustration of a weight stack with a partial cross section showing an internal proximity receiver, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIGS. 6 is an isometric illustration of a weight stack, equipped with a remote-control receiver, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are block diagram illustrations of three, respective, power supply configurations in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention;

[0025]FIGS. 8A and 8B are block diagram illustrations of two, respective, electrical charging systems arrangements, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention; FIG. 9 is an isometric illustration of a proximity switch installed at a base of a weight stack, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026]FIG. 10 is a schematic block-diagram illustration of a method of controlling activation of weights on an exercise machine in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0027] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn accurately or to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity or several physical components included in one element. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. It will be appreciated that these figures present examples of embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided an association, e.g. an electrical connection or linkage, of weights in a weight stack for activation or deactivation of a weight selection device housed in the weight stack.

[0029] Reference is made to FIG. 1, which schematically illustrates a control system 100 for controlling activation of a desired weight 108 on an exercise machine in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0030] According to embodiments of the invention, system 100 may include a control device 102, e.g., a control panel, for remotely controlling activation of a selected load of weights as described below.

[0031] According to embodiments of the invention, system 100 may further include at least one linking channel 104 associated with the control device and with at least one linking terminal 106, respectively. Furthermore, according to embodiments of the invention, the at least one linking terminal may be associated with at least one respective weight selection device 110, which may be housed in a respective exercise weight. The selection device may be adapted to secure weight 108 to a load-bearing bar (not shown in FIG. 1) when selection device 1 10 is activated. Weight selection device 110 may include, for example, one of the weight selection device types described in U.S. patent App. Ser. No. 09/497,110, filed Feb. 3, 2000, assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the invention, linking channels 104 may be adapted to associate control device 102 and respective selection devices 110, via respective linking terminals 106 as described above.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one linking channel 104 may also be used to transfer electrical power to the at least one weight selection device 110 via the at least one respective linking terminal 106, as described below.

[0034] Reference is also made to FIG. 2A which schematically illustrates an isometric view of a multi-contact rod assembly 200 in accordance with embodiments of the invention, and to FIG. 2B which schematically illustrates an exploded isometric view of multi-contact rod assembly 200.

[0035] According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, multi-contact rod 200 may be constructed of an internal rod 204, adapted to house connection wires (not shown). One or more contact tube assemblies 202 may be fitted on rod 204. As shown in FIG. 2B, each contact tube assembly 202 may consist of a conducting component, e.g. conducting tube 202 b, adapted to fit in between a pair of isolated spacers 202 a. Tube assembly 202 may further include a linking conductor 202 e and a fixing assembly 202 c.

[0036] According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, linking conductor 202 e and conducting tube 202 b may be used as exemplary implementation of linking channel 104 (FIG. 1) and linking terminal 106 (FIG. 1), respectively, to provide electrical power to and/or to control the activation of selection devices 110 (FIG. 1), as described herein.

[0037]FIG. 3A schematically illustrates an isometric view of multi-contact rod assembly 200 of FIG. 2A associated with a stack of weights 304 in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention, and FIG. 3B schematically illustrates a partial cross-section of weight stack and rod assembly of FIG. 3A.

[0038] According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, multi-contact rod assembly 200 may be inserted in a cavity 308 in the stack of weights 304. One or more of weights 304 may include an internal spring connection 306 and a selection device 312. When at least one weight 304 is resting on at least one other weight 304 (hereinafter: “resting position”), a corresponding linking terminal 106, e.g. conducting tube 202 b, may be in position opposite a respective connection 306. Accordingly, when one or more of weights 304 are in a resting position, it is possible to control activation and/or deactivation of selection device 312 via its respective linking conductor 202 e and spring connection 306. In contrast, when one or more of weights 304 are secured to a bearing bar 302 (hereinafter “in operative position”), contact tubes 202 may not be,electrically connected with some or all of weights 304.

[0039] According to some of these embodiments, one or more of weights 304 may include a power storage device 320, as described in detail below.

[0040] Reference is also made to FIGS. 4A and 4B, which schematically illustrate isometric views of a dual contact sub-assembly 400 (FIG. 4A) and two adjacent contact sub-assemblies (FIG. 4B), respectively, which may be installed in weights 412 in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0041] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, conducting spring elements 402 and 404 may be separately installed onto an isolation plate 406, which may be fixed to an internal surface 408 of weight 412, such that both ends 410 of each of the conducting spring elements may protrude out of either side of weight 412. Hence, when weights 412 are stacked on each other, each conducting spring element 402, 404 may be engaged with a respective spring element 402, 404, respectively, in an adjacent weight 412, thus forming an unbroken connection path. When at least one weight 412 is lifted from the weight beneath it, the connection may be broken.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the invention, dual contact assembly 400 may be used as an exemplary implementation of linking channel 104 (FIG. 1) to provide electrical power and/or control signals to weight 412 in a safe manner, such that one or more weights 412 may be disconnected from a power supply (not shown) when in operative position, such that no power or control signal may be provided to them.

[0043] Reference is also made to FIG. 5, which schematically illustrates an isometric view of a control system 500 in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0044] According to the embodiments depicted in FIG. 5, system 500 may include at least one proximity receiver 506 housed in at least one weight 508, respectively. System 500 may further include a plurality of proximity transmitters 504 installed on a load bearing bar 502.

[0045] According to these embodiments, load-bearing bar 502 may be slidely insertable into a cavity 510 running through weights 508, so as to allow proximity transmitters 504 to be positioned against proximity receivers 506 when bar 502 is fully inserted in cavity 510. Transmitter 504 may then transmit signals to be received by receiver 506. Any suitable proximity transmitter 504 and receiver 506 allowing transmittance of a signal from receiver 504 to transmitter 506 may be used.

[0046] According to some of these embodiments, load-bearing bar 502 may include bearing-bar connection wires (not shown) and may be used as exemplary implementations of linking channel 104 (FIG. 1) to associate a control device (not shown in FIG. 5) with transmitters 504, as described above. According to some of these embodiments, proximity transmitters 504 and receivers 506 may be used as an exemplary implementation of linking terminals 106 (FIG. 1) to associate linking channels 104 (FIG. 1) with at least one selection device 512.

[0047] According to some of these embodiments, one or more of weights 508 may include a power storage device 516, as described in detail below.

[0048] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which schematically illustrates an isometric view of a control system 600, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0049] According to this embodiment, system 600 may include a remote control transmitter 602 and a plurality of remote control receivers 604, each housed in a respective weight 610.

[0050] According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, remote control transmitter 602 and remote control receivers 604 may be used as exemplary implementations of control device 102 (FIG. 1) and control terminals 106 (FIG. 1), respectively. According to these embodiments, linking channel 104 (FIG. 1) may be a wireless linking channel. In order to secure a desired weight 610 to a load bearing bar 606, remote control transmitter 602 may transmit a coded control signal, which may be decodable by a receiver 604 housed in the desired weight 610. Once a control signal is received and decoded, a corresponding weight selection device 110 (FIG. 1) in the desired weight 610 may be activated as described above.

[0051] According to some of these embodiments, one or more of weights 610 may include a power storage device 620 associated with one or more of receivers 604, as described in detail below.

[0052] Reference is also made to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, which schematically illustrate three, respective, power supply configurations, which may be used to supply electrical power to a weight selection device 708 and or to any desired one of the control or association devices, e.g. the at least remote control receiver, as described above, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0053] According to embodiments of the invention, electrical power from an external power source 710 (FIG. 7A) may be used directly to operate weight selection device 708. Additionally or alternatively, external electric power may be used to charge an internal power storage device 702 (FIG. 7C). Storage device 702 may include a rechargeable battery, a low discharge capacitor, and/or any other device known in the art for storing and regenerating electrical power. Storage device 702 may be housed in one or more of the weights, e.g. as described above, thereby to simplify the structure of the selection device and/or to conserve space. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical power may be used to charge an external power storage device 704 (FIG. 7B), which may include a rechargeable battery or a low discharge capacitor, and/or any other device known in the art for storing and regenerating electrical power, located outside the weights. External storage device 704 may or may not be associated with selection device 708 or with the exercise machine (not shown) in which the selection device operates.

[0054] According to some embodiments of the invention, multi-contact rod assembly 200 (FIG. 2A) and/or dual contact sub-assembly 400 (FIG. 4A) may be used as an exemplary implementation of a linking channel 706 for supplying electrical power to weight selection device 708 and/or to internal power storage device 702.

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, weight selection device 708 may be associated, e.g. connected, via one or more linking channels 706, as described above, to external power source 710, for example, a DC or an AC power source, as illustrated in FIG. 7A.

[0056] In another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, weight selection device 708 may be associated, e.g. connected, via one or more linking channels 706 to external power storage device 704.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, weight selection device 708 may be associated, e.g. connected, to internal power storage device 702, as illustrated in FIG. 7C.

[0058] In some embodiments of the invention, the use of internal power storage device 702 may enable the operation of weight selection device 708 without the need to provide electrical connection between the exercise weights 108 (FIG. 1).

[0059] According to some embodiments of the invention, the use of internal power storage device 702 or external power storage device 704 may allow operation of weight selection device 708 when the exercise machine is not connected to external power source 710.

[0060] Reference is also made to FIGS. 8A and 8B which schematically illustrate electric charging arrangements according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0061] Electric charging of an internal power storage device 802 may be accomplished by use of a charging arrangement which may include either one of the exemplary arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, or any other suitable arrangement for supplying storage device 802 with sufficient electrical power to charge it.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, storage device 802 may be charged by an external power source 810 via one or more linking channels 806.

[0063] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, a wireless charging arrangement 800 may be used. Wireless charging arrangement 800 may include an electromagnetic wave transmitter 804 for transmitting energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. Arrangement 800 may also include at least one energy receiver 808 adapted to receive the energy transmitted by transmitter 804, and to convert the received energy into electrical power in a form suitable for use by storage device 802. This energy, after being converted by receiver 808, may be transferred to storage device 802 using electrical conductors as are known in the art.

[0064]FIG. 9 is an isometric illustration of a proximity switch transmitter 902, which may be installed at the base of a weight stack 906 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] According to some embodiments of the invention, proximity switch transmitter 902 may be installed at the base of weight stack 906, such that when weight stack 906 is fully down, proximity switch transmitter 902 may be positioned generally opposite a proximity switch receiver 904 allowing transmission of a proximity signal from transmitter 902 to receiver 904. This arrangement may be used in conjunction, for example, with control device 102 (FIG. 1), for example, to report a status of operation of the exercising machine in binary mode, e.g., “in operation” or “out of operation”.

[0066] According to embodiments of the invention, the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and/or the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 9 may be used as a safety measure. During routine operation of an exercising machine with a weight stack, it may be desired to prevent undesired adverse situations, for example, activation or deactivation of the weight selection devices when the weight stack is not fully down. According to an embodiment of the invention, a safety control unit (not shown) may be connected to a weight selection devices, e.g., any of the weight selection devices described above, to prevent undesired or untimely operation of the weight selection devices, thus enhancing the level of safety of the operation of the exercising machine.

[0067]FIG. 10 is a schematic block-diagram illustration of a method for controlling activation of weights on an exercise machine in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0068] According to embodiments of the invention, the method may include transmitting, e.g., from a control device 102 (FIG. 1), at least one control signal via at least one linking channel, respectively, as indicated at block 1002.

[0069] As indicated at block 1004, the method may further include receiving the at least one control signal by at least one respective control terminal, for example, a control terminal as described in the above embodiments.

[0070] As indicated at block 1006, the method may further include activating at least one selection device, e.g., device 110 (FIG. 1), according to the received control signal, to secure a desired weight to a load-bearing bar (not shown in FIG. 10).

[0071] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Embodiments of the present invention may include other apparatuses for performing the operations herein. Such apparatuses may integrate the elements discussed, or may comprise alternative components to carry out the same purpose. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for controlling activation of at least one exercise weight, said system comprising: at least one linking terminal associated with said at least one exercise weight, respectively; at least one linking channel to associate between a control device and said at least one linking terminal.
 2. The control system of claim 1, wherein said at least one linking channel comprises at least one linking conductor, and wherein said at least one linking terminal comprises at least one conducting component.
 3. The control system of claim 2, wherein said at least one linking conductor and said at least one conducting component are part of a multi contact rod adapted to extend through a cavity in said at least one weight.
 4. The control system of claim 1, wherein said at least one linking terminal comprises at least one proximity transmitter to transmit a signal to be received by at least one proximity receiver located in said at least one exercise weight.
 5. The control system of claim 4 wherein said at least one proximity transmitter is located on a load-bearing bar adapted to extend through a cavity in said at least one weight.
 6. The control system of claim 1, wherein said control device comprises a wireless remote control and wherein said at least one linking terminal comprises at least one remote control receiver located in said at least one exercise weight.
 7. The control system of claim 6, comprising at least one power storage device to supply electric power to said at least one remote control receiver.
 8. The control system of claim 7, wherein said at least one power storage device is located within said at least one excercise weight.
 9. The control system of claim 8, comprising a wireless charging arrangement to electrically charge said power storage device.
 10. The control system of claim 9 wherein said wireless charging arrangement comprises a wireless transmitter to transmit electromagnetic energy and at least one wireless reciever to receive said electromagnetic energy and to convert said electromagnetic energy into electrical energy, and wherein said at least one wireless receiver is located in said at least one exrecise weight and associated with said at least one power storage device.
 11. The control system of claim 1, wherein said at least one linking channel comprises a proximity switch transmitter to transmit a signal to a proximity switch receiver when at least one of said exercising weights is at a resting position.
 12. The control system of claim 1 comprising at least one weight selection device associable with said at least one linking terminal, respectively, wherein said at least one weight selection device, when activated, is adapted to secure said at least one exercise weight, respectively, to a load-bearing bar.
 13. The control system of claim 12, comprising at least one power storage device to supply electric power to said at least one weight selection device.
 14. The control system of claim 13, wherein said at least one power storage device is located within said at least one excercise weight.
 15. The control system of claim 14, further comprising a wireless charging arrangement to electrically charge said power storage device
 16. The control system of claim 15 wherein said wireless charging arrangement comprises a wireless transmitter to transmit electromagnetic energy and at least one wireless reciever to receive said electromagnetic energy and to convert said electomagnetic energy into electrical energy, wherein said at least one wirekless receiver is located in said at least one exrecise weight and associated with said at least one power storage device.
 17. A conducting arrangement to conduct control signals to a plurality of exercise weights comprising: at least one conducting element in a first exercise weight; and at least one conducting element in a second exercise weight, wherein said at least one conducting element in the first exercise weight engages with said at least one conducting element in the second exercise weight when said first exercise weight is stacked on said second exercise weight.
 18. The conducting arangement of claim 17, wherein a first end of said at least one conducting element protrudes out of one side of said exercise weight and a second end of said at least one conducting element protrudes out of a second side of said exercise weight.
 19. The conducting arangement of claim 17, wherein said at least one conducting element comprises a conducting spring.
 20. A method comprising: transmitting at least one control signal via at least one respective linking channel; receiving said at least one control signal by at least one respective control terminal; and activating at least one selection device according to said control signals.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein transmitting at least one control signal comprises using a control device to transmit said at least one control signal.
 22. The method of claim 20, comprising charging at least one storage device adapted to provide electrical power.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein charging at least one storage device comprises using said at least one linking channel and said at least one linking channel.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein charging at least one storage device comprises transmitting electromagnetic energy to said at least one power storage device. 